Unwelcome Guests: How Insect Pests are Impacting Britain’s Forests

Climate change and global trade are driving rising threats to British forests from insect pests, with impacts ranging from reduced timber yields to losses in biodiversity and carbon storage. Drawing on a comprehensive assessment of 56 pest species, this presentation highlights the origins, impacts, and management of both native and non-native pests, identifies tree genera most at risk, and examines the role of trade, climate, and management in shaping outcomes. This talk will highlight several high-impact pests, including large pine weevil and bark beetles and advocate for a systems-level Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach to strengthen forest resilience and anticipate future threats.

Katy Dainton is a Research Entomologist at Forest Research where she develops Integrated Pest Management (IPM) tools and strategies for forest pests. This includes designing monitoring techniques, advancing non-chemical controls, managing the Rhizophagus grandis breeding programme, and providing specialist advice on tree health in northern Britain. She joined Forest Research in 2015 after completing an MSc in IPM, following earlier work with Natural England and a career in the arts and heritage sector.

The 1-hour event will consist of a presentation followed by a Q&A with the tutor using questions provided by the live audience. This event is a one-off and will not be repeated. If you can't attend the live event, you don't need to miss out. Book a space and once we've processed the event content after the live event you will be sent a link to the content online.

entoLIVE is delivered by the Biological Recording Company, British Entomological & Natural History Society, Royal Entomological Society and Amateur Entomologists' Society, with support from Buglife, Field Studies Council and NBN Trust.